Tiny Meals - Tortilla Pizza

 

🍕 Tiny Tortilla Pizza — Real Food in a Tiny Way

I’m still in the bariatric stages, and I’ve finally reached the real food part — that exciting (and sometimes intimidating) stage where you start testing what your new stomach can handle. It’s a time of learning, experimenting, and rediscovering food in a whole new way.

Right now, I’m staying protein-forward and working with about 4 oz portions, gradually building up toward 8 oz — or roughly one cup — within the next month. It’s not always easy, but every successful meal feels like a small victory.

I enjoy sharing these moments as I go along — not because I have it all figured out, but because each stage teaches me something new about my body, my relationship with food, and what real nourishment looks like now.

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Why I Love This Tiny Meal

There’s something so comforting about pizza — that familiar smell of warm sauce, melted cheese, and crisp edges. But after bariatric surgery, the traditional version doesn’t fit our new reality (literally!).

That’s where this little creation comes in: a single-serve, protein-forward Tiny Tortilla Pizza that brings all the flavor and satisfaction of pizza night — just sized for your current phase. It’s quick, simple, and gentle on your new stomach while still feeling like real food.

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🍅 Tiny Tortilla Pizza Recipe

Makes: 1 serving (3.5 ish oz total)
Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 5–6 min Total: 10–12 min

Ingredients

• 2 zero-carb street tortillas (Mission Zero Carb or similar)

• ¼ cup pizza sauce (or seasoned tomato/spaghetti sauce)

• ⅛ oz shredded Italian cheese (or mozzarella)

• 4 slices turkey pepperoni, diced very small (since the pizza is tiny)

• Optional: finely diced toppings like onion, mushroom, olive, or bell pepper

Instructions

1. Crisp: Air fry, bake, or toaster bake the two tortillas at 375 °F for 2–3 minutes until lightly crisp — whichever method works best for your setup, since the pizza is tiny.

2. Layer: Spread a thin coat of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese on one tortilla, top with the second, then spread the rest of the sauce, cheese, and toppings.

3. Cook: Return to air fryer, oven, or toaster oven for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and edges brown.

4. Serve: Let cool a minute; slice or enjoy whole — a compact, high-protein mini pizza.

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🔢 Nutrition Estimate (3.5 ish oz total)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	≈ 135 kcal
Protein	≈ 13 g
Carbohydrates	≈ 3 g (net 2 g if using zero-carb tortillas)
Fat	≈ 7 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Sodium	≈ 420 mg

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💡 Bariatric Real Food Note

This recipe is portioned for one — perfect for early real-food stages. As your tolerance and needs increase, preparing two can make a balanced and satisfying meal while keeping the focus on protein and portion awareness.

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A Tiny Bite of Normal

When you’re in recovery and craving something that feels like real food, it’s not about giving in — it’s about re-learning balance.

This little pizza is one of those moments where something small brings big joy. It reminds me that healing doesn’t have to mean giving up the things we love; it just means learning new ways to enjoy them.

Each “tiny” meal has its own quiet victory — one bite, one phase, one day at a time.
And through it all, I’m reminded: God is still in the details — even in a 3.5-ounce pizza. 🍕✨

Always and most importantly — thank you to my family and friends for all the love and support that has carried me this far. I will be back in the days ahead. This is just the beginning. 💛

Let’s Connect

Have an idea?
Share it in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working for you during your different phases 💛

Till we meet again

love and find joy in your day 

Louise

Poached Egg & Grits - Reicipes from the Bariatric Trenches

 

🌱 A New Chapter: My Gastric Sleeve Journey

A year ago, I made a decision that changed my life. After months of preparation, doctor visits, lifestyle adjustments, and more than a few nerves, I finally had gastric sleeve surgery. This journey has been about so much more than the procedure itself — it’s been about patience, discipline, and learning to truly nourish my body in new ways.

One thing about me: I’ve always loved to cook and create. Food has always been how I show love to my family and myself. At first, I worried I’d lose that part of me after surgery. But what I’ve discovered is that creativity doesn’t go away — it just shifts. Instead of big pans and large plates, I now create on a smaller scale.

These little 3 oz “comfort minis” became my new canvas in the kitchen. They gave me structure, kept me on track with the bariatric guidelines, and still let me feel joy in the process. They’ve helped me stay nourished, but also reminded me that food can still be enjoyable, even in a whole new chapter of life.

✨ I am doing these as I walking that journey.

That’s why I’ve decided to share them — as part of my new series:

Recipes from the Bariatric Trenches

Because the truth is, this journey isn’t always pretty or easy. It’s real, it’s messy, and it’s made up of small victories. These recipes aren’t fancy chef creations; they’re the meals that got me through — practical, protein-packed, pouch-sized, and tested in the trenches.

I’m starting with my very first post-op go-to:
👉 Poached Egg & Grits Mini — warm, simple, and comforting, perfect for the earliest days.

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🥣 Poached Egg & Grits Mini

Recipes from the Bariatric Trenches

Serving Size: ~3 oz per portion
Calories: ~110–115 | Protein: 8–11 g
Makes: ~3 portions from one batch

Ingredients

For the grits batch (makes 3 portions):

• ¼ cup dry quick grits (not instant packets)

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp no-salt chicken bouillon powder

• ½ tsp regular chicken bouillon powder (for added flavor)

• Pinch black pepper (salt optional, taste before adding)

For each serving:

• 1.5 oz cooked grits (from batch)

• 1 medium poached egg (~1 oz cooked)

• 1–2 sprays I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter

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Instructions

1. Cook the grits: Bring water to a boil. Stir in bouillons until dissolved. Add grits, reduce heat, and cook 5–7 minutes until smooth.

2. Portion & store: Divide into ~three 1.5 oz servings. Keep in fridge up to 3 days.

3. Reheat: Add 1–2 tsp water or broth before microwaving to keep creamy. Season with pepper.

4. Poach the egg (daily for a fresh runny): In simmering water, gently add egg and cook to your desired firmness (see timing guide below).

5. Assemble: Place 1.5 oz grits in ramekin, top with poached egg, break yolk, and finish with butter spray.

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🍳 Poached Egg Timing Guide

• 3 min: Whites just set, yolk very runny (flows into grits)

• 4 min: Whites firm, yolk soft and jammy (custardy)

• 5 min: Whites firm, yolk mostly set but tender

• 6 min: Fully set yolk, no runniness

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Stage Guidance

• Purée Stage: Mash poached egg fully into grits, thin with broth as needed.

• Soft Stage: Serve as written with whole poached egg on top.

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Nutrition (per portion)

• Base: ~110–115 cal | 8 g protein | 8 g carbs | 5 g fat

• With Hack: ~125–130 cal | 11 g protein | 8 g carbs | 5 g fat

Protein Hack: Stir ½ tsp unflavored protein powder into grits before adding egg.

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And most importantly — thank you to my family and friends for all the love and support that has carried me this far. I will be back for me in the days ahead. This is just the beginning. 💛

Let’s Connect

Have an idea?
Share it in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working for you during your different phases 💛

Till we meet again

love and find joy in your day 

Louise